Cape Town - About 20 000 young people will be trained in various skills by the SA National Defence Force as part of the national youth service (NYS), Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Thursday.
Speaking in the National Assembly during debate on her budget vote, she said the proposed NYS was intended to play a role in dealing with the consequences of youth unemployment and contribute to the national goal of poverty eradication.
She said the service would not offer training for military engagement, but would draw on the potential of military training to promote discipline, self esteem, and a sense of belonging to the national community.
"We have currently embarked on the identification, upgrading, and refurbishment of some of our training facilities and at the beginning of next year we will have completed our preparations.
"We will take 20 000 unemployed youth and turn them into disciplined, empowered young people," Sisulu said.
